content_output-081_10 (Q6689)

Most loudly did the armoured knights clamour against the use of fire-arms, for even their thick armour could not be made proof against the heavy bullets, and it was not a usual thing for a well-armoured knight to be killed. A good suit of armour would generally repel the blow of an arrow or quarrel; although the horses, not so fortunate, and driven mad by the rage and pain caused by the thrusts of the rough barbed missiles, would rear and throw their riders; then the doughty warriors would roll about for a time upon the earth, to retire with only a few bruises, and ready to engage in the tilting match another day. In several battles about this time not a single knight was slain; even when unhorsed, it was difficult to administer the coup de grâce to the valiant cavalier, for the miséricorde, or dagger of mercy, refused to penetrate the chinks of a closely jointed suit.